Salon Époqu’Auto Auction to Feature Two Rare Citroëns

November 1, 2022

Six Citroëns are to be auctioned on November 6, 2022 as part of the Osenat Auction at Salon Époqu’Auto. Two of them are very rare and should command a premium dollar, though both are not concours. Among other things, they have been fitted with modern audio systems:

The first is this 1938 Traction Avant 11BL Cabriolet Renard & Bec.

Serial number: 131998

Estimate: 80,000 – 120,000 EUR

The Renard and Bec workshops produced only two examples and this is the only surviving one.

Based on a 1938 Traction 11BL cabriolet, this car was completely redesigned to have four headlights, superimposed front bumpers and a thinner grille whose base ended at the level of the small lights. The fenders are more enveloping and extend to the doors. At the rear there is a larger trunk that ends just above the rear bumper.

It is in excellent condition. Finished in a sky blue colour that also covers the four-spoke steering wheel and the dashboard modernized by the same coachbuilder. A Renard and Bec cigar clock is in place in front of the passenger. The exterior colour is complemented by a beige upholstery interior, also in excellent condition, with wooden trim on the upper door edges.

Discovered in the early 70’s in “barn find” condition by its current owner, the car was completely restored. Its lines were inspired by a drawing by the famous car illustrator Geo Ham.

https://www.osenat.com/en/lot/129629/19511329-1938-citroen-traction-11b-cabrsearch=Citroen&sort=num&

Next is a 1960 DS 19 Cabriolet La Croisette Type III by Henri Chapron

Serial number: 3104993

Estimate: 180,000 – 200,000 EUR

One of the most exceptional versions of the DS cabriolet is the La Croisette. The very first DS Cabriolet version was presented on the Henri Chapron stand at the Paris Motor Show in 1958. For this first version Chapron used the rear fenders and doors of the DS saloon. The separation between these two were visible the first year. It was later hidden by a chrome strip in the second series in 1959. From the 1960 model year onward, the rear section extends from the front door to the rear bumper in one piece but there still remained a full trunk lid, whereas in later cabriolets the trunk lid was reduced in size and fitted into a one-piece rear body section.

The cabriolet offered here is a third series produced in 1960. Its charcoal grey colour and leather interior are both in excellent condition, and contrast beautifully. Adding to the interior ambience are a gold dashboard and doors that add a futuristic touch.

Only about fifteen La Croisette examples were produced! We find it odd that this one is not fitted with proper Michelin tires!

https://www.osenat.com/en/lot/129629/19511344-1960-citroen-ds-19-cabriolet-lsearch=Citroen&sort=num&

A 1925 B12 torpedo body in a beautiful state of restoration is on offer.

Estimate: 12,000 – 18,000 EUR